Over the past five years, the contest has attracted more than 2,800 entries from 243 press agencies nationwide, becoming a professional platform for journalists to demonstrate their pioneering role and the power of the pen in defending the ideological foundation of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
Growing influence of the fifth edition
In 2025, Vietnam accelerated administrative restructuring and implemented the two-tier local government model, leading to the merger and consolidation of many press agencies nationwide.
Despite these major changes, central and local press agencies have continued strengthening digital transformation and promoting content defending the Party’s ideological foundation while countering hostile and distorted viewpoints.
Participation in the contest continued to grow significantly. From only 30 press agencies in the first edition, the fifth contest attracted 72 agencies, including 22 provincial and municipal media agencies.
Alongside major national media outlets, many new organizations, associations, and research institutes also joined the contest, reflecting its expanding influence.
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The working session of the final council of the fifth contest |
Closely following political events
The year 2025 marked major milestones for Vietnam, including the 80th anniversary of national independence, the 50th anniversary of the South Liberation and National Reunification Day, and the 100th anniversary of revolutionary journalism in Vietnam. It was also the first year implementing the two-tier local government system.
It was also the year the country was preparing for all-level Party congresses leading to the 14th National Party Congress, as well as the elections of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and people’s councils for the 2026-2031 period.
Reflecting these political events, the fifth contest saw a strong increase in both the quantity and quality of works.
Many works focused on clarifying and protecting the core values of Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh Thought, and the Party’s reform policies. Many others countered hostile narratives related to administrative reforms, Party congress preparations, economic resolutions, elections, historical distortion, and misuse of artificial intelligence to spread misinformation affecting ideological and political security.
Meanwhile, there were entries analyzing internal risks such as political ideological, ethical, lifestyle degradation, bureaucracy, authoritarianism, factionalism.
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Art programs at the awarding ceremony of the fourth contest |
Imprints of the contest
The People's Army Newspaper has been effectively performing its role of disseminating information related to the two strategic missions of the Vietnamese revolution of socialism building alongside Fatherland defense.
After five editions, the contest has grown into a prestigious nationwide journalism “forum” with increasing influence and participation. Around 45% of submitted works came from experts, scientists, and military generals.
According to journalist Nguyen Duc Loi, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Journalists Association, the contest has demonstrated the pioneering role of the People's Army Newspaper in defending the Party’s ideological foundation and has encouraged many press agencies to intensify efforts against hostile viewpoints.
Inspired by President Ho Chi Minh’s teaching that “journalists are also revolutionary soldiers, and the pen and paper are their sharp weapons,” the newspaper continues to uphold its mission of protecting the legitimacy, position, and leadership role of the Party.
The contest also reaffirmed the mission of Vietnam’s revolutionary press as a loyal and sharp political force on the ideological and cultural front.
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The final council of the contest selected 31 outstanding works for awards in three categories: central press agencies, local press agencies, and journals, including three A, six B, nine C and 13 consolation prizes. The awarding ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 19 in Hanoi. |
Translated by Mai Huong